The Group’s Aims and objectives are as follows;

The Group’s Aims are:

 1. To preserve and maintain Britain’s heritage in the form of diesel railway locomotives.

2. To preserve items of rolling stock for educational purposes and for use on projects associated with the group.

3. To preserve these items for future generations to enjoy.

4. To encourage young people to partake in railway preservation.

5. To make the locomotives accessible for all ages and disabilities.

6. To teach younger generations skills which are needed to keep railway locomotives in a “ready to go” state of operation.

The long-term plan for the group is to preserve as many aspects of diesel operation as possible, not just the locomotives.  The skills for both operating and maintenance are vitally important and it is the long-term aim of the group, that we want these skills and the mechanical and technical knowledge passed onto future generations. As a group, the BDLPG is not aimed towards a specific building or class of locomotive or multiple unit.  Our aim is to be able to provide a wide ranging portfolio, again from both a skills and assets viewpoint, that has the ability to cover from the humble Class 03 to the popular ‘Heavy Freight’ Type 5s and first generation multiple units.

Apart from preserving diesels, the B.D.L.P.G. also has other aims. One of which is the inclusion of young people, wherever possible within the group, and in any manner of work, be it fundraising or design work, an in the future, loco restoration. We feel very strongly that we have to involve young people wherever possible. Because, say in 50 years time, when you and I are infirm and can not continue with the active volunteering that we do now, if we don’t encourage the younger generations, who will there be to take over where we leave off? That would be an end to preservation, for both steam and diesel. We aim to teach skills, both physical; in looking after locos and maintaining them in top condition, and basic life skills in working within a group and being part of it, and they, as well as ourselves, will find the experience entirely rewarding.